In 1602, explorer Sebastián Viscaíno arrived in San Diego when it was called “San Miguel” and renamed it “San Diego de Alcalá“ after the patron saint of his flagship.

Chula Vista is a destination for locals and visitors alike, who can enjoy its many attractions, including the bayfront harbor, marinas, shoreline parks and popular waterfront restaurants.

The Chula Vista Bayside Park and Pier , located on Bayside Parkway, is surrounded by marinas, restaurants and shopping. Bayside Parkway features a fishing pier, picnic and game tables and walkways.

Inspired by the nearby marina and nature center, the Bayside Park public art piece Wind Oars consists of ten 25-foot aluminum poles that are topped by pairs of pivoting, oar-like vanes. Acting in unison with each other in the shifting wind, the oars create an overall effect like a flock of birds overhead. A public art installation, Konoids, overlooking the entrance to the yacht harbor, is set against expansive views of San Diego Bay from its southern extremities to far off Point Loma in the north.

The popular Chula Vista Bayfront Park at the foot of Marina Way includes a public boat ramp. The park overlooks the bay to the west and the Sweetwater Estuary to the south. This park is family-friendly and an ideal spot for a picnic, nap or walk. During the summer, various oldster car clubs will host events, which can attract large crowds. But the park is fairly large, offering more secluded areas away from the crowds.

Located at 200 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista Marina View Park has play equipment and the waterfront public art piece, Wind Harp. The park is popular for large gatherings, such as birthday parties and holiday festivities.

Enjoy the two Waterfront restaurants – the Galley at the Marina and the South Bay Fish and Grill – at the Chula Vista Marina. Both restaurants feature patio dining, delicious food and great entertainment on weekends.

In addition to bayside and waterfront parks and piers, Chula Vista is home to the Nature Center, which brings the history, geology, ecology and natural history of the marsh, its surrounding wetlands and San Diego Bay to life. The Chula Vista Nature Center is dedicated to serving the public by providing a quality nature center/living museum experience while promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship through education.